The Story

A Mothers Worst Nightmare

On 12/20/2011 this mother's worst nightmare came true. That was the night East Tennessee Children's Hospital did a CT scan to find out what was causing my son's nausea and headaches. The doctors came in and told us that our only baby boy had a brain tumor. My husband David and I just stood there stunned wondering how to tell a child he has a brain tumor and may die. About 18 hours later, Wyatt was transferred to Monroe Carrell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville, Tennessee and his first surgery was performed on 12/22/11.

The Waiting

While the doctors were reviewing the post-op scans with us, we were told about another area that concerned them. We had to travel to Nashville every three months for the next year for MRI's as followup. The doctors at Vanderbilt told us that Wyatt had another tumor that would require surgery. Surgery # 2 was performed on January 15, 2013.

The Followup's

Again the doctors watched the MRI scans for another 9 months. Apparently all of the second tumor was not completely removed and has grown back in the same spot. Vanderbilt suggested a third surgery, but after research on his type of tumor, we decided to get a second opinion in Washington, DC in January 2014 and then a third opinion in Cincinnati, Ohio on March 20, 2014. Both of those sources agreed that the 2 original tumors that were removed were connected together by another area that cannot be operated on without major neurological deficit. Both of the other opinions agreed that whether he has a third surgery or not, he would inevitably have to take chemotherapy for a year to hopefully kill the tumor cells from the problem area. Cinicinnati said that he could do his treatments closer to home in Knoxville at ETCH, where our journey began over 2 years ago.

Our Ask for Help

Even though the family has insurance, there is a tremendous amount of expense that is not covered by insurance, includingthe lost wages and travel expenses just to name a few.

We are grateful for anything you can give. And if you aren't in a position to give, we ask that you please hold Wyatt, his family, and his friends in your thoughts and prayers over the next year.

Fundraiser Updates

Posted on March 30, 2014

Posted on March 30, 2014

Thanks to all of the Warriors For Wyatt for your overwhelming support!This is the fundraising site that has been set up for Wyatt and his family for medical bills and other related expenses. If you would like to give but do not feel comfortable doing so over the internet, there are other options available. Donations can be made at any US Bank or First Tennessee Bank branch to the "Warriors For Wyatt" account. Checks can be made to David or Kristi Crippen (Warriors For Wyatt on memo line) and mailed to P.O. Box 1791, Dandridge, TN 37725. Get well cards can also be sent to that address. To contact someone regarding other fundraising events, please call (865) 210-3386 or email [email protected]